Ford sticks to his guns as United climb table

Banbury United boss Mike Ford hinted he will be relying on the current crop to take his side through the next months of the season.

The Puritans extended their unbeaten Evo-Stik Southern League run to seven games with the 8-0 drubbing of Bashley and they have an excellent chance to make it back-to-back wins against Bishops Cleeve on Saturday.

We won’t expect three points against Bishops Cleeve but I expect us to play well

Puritans boss Mike Ford

United are eighth in the Division One South & West table and three more points are up for grabs this weekend at Spencer Stadium.

Ford said: “The balance of the side is getting better. We’ve got a new set of players, we’ve had an okay start and we’re heading in the right direction.

“So we’re not going to simply bring in players to wear a number, they’ve got to be the right players and buy in to what we’re trying to achieve.

“We’ve got some really good attacking players. In every game we’ve played there have been goal scoring opportunities and in all bar one we’ve scored goals.

“We need to do the right things and the same things every week. The players have to understand their roles and responsibilities, and it is clear we are getting there.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game, Ford emphasised the performance is the most important aspect for him.

H added: “We don’t expect three points against Bishops Cleeve but I expect us to play well. I’m trying to make sure the players understand that it is all about the performance.

“You don’t hear many managers talk about winning and we’ve never mentioned that to the players but we’re still getting them into a winning mentality.”